Brentwood continues the development of the City's Geographic Information System, or GIS. GIS is an integration of spatial (graphic) and tabular (database) information. The GIS began in February 1995 when aerial photographs and topographic base maps of the City were made and data imported into the CAD environment. Brentwood has since converted all CAD data into GIS layers and maintains all spatial data in the GIS.

Components of GIS

Hardware 

Equipment needed to run an effective GIS includes PC workstations for running software, servers for hosting data and mapping websites, and GPS units to collect the geospatial data.

Software 

Software is another key component to the GIS. This software allows end users to create, analyze and edit spatial databases. Server side software allows for the hosting of interactive mapping websites accessed via internet browsers.

Data 

Accurate data is the most important component of an effective GIS. Using mapping grade GPS units gives the GIS a very accurate spatial location while accurate attribute data will describe, in database format, additional details about the feature.

People 

People with right education and experience use their knowledge and skills to perform tasks that keep the GIS up to date.

Brentwood's GIS is a valuable tool that greatly improves our ability to make practical, informed decisions. It will play an increasingly important role in planning and resource management decisions made everyday. It is also playing an important role in the emergency management and routing of vehicles to ensure that the equipment arrives at the scene of an emergency from the closest location possible.